Relegation battle heats up
JAMALCO AND Maverley Hughenden will continue their improbable quest for survival this afternoon when the Red Stripe Premier League (RSPL) continues with five matches today.
Eleventh-placed Jamalco will play away to neighbours Humble Lion, and anything but a win will increase their chances of being one of the two relegated teams. While Humble Lion are Jamalco’s neighbours, the latter should expect no favours, as not only are Humble Lion in with a chance of collecting the $1m bounty for the team which ends the competition with most points, but they are also battling to become one of only two teams to advance straight to the semi-finals of the knockout phase of the competition. Both situations would be enhanced by a win for Humble Lion. The fact that Humble Lion recruited Rohan Richards to add to their already offence-rich line-up makes them one of Jamalco’s least favourite teams.
Last-placed Maverley-Hughenden will play away to Arnett Gardens, a team which has a lot to play for as well. Maverley Hughenden are a point below Jamalco and, despite having a game in hand, are desperate for a win, especially if the teams above them – Jamalco. Waterhouse and Boys’ Town win. Arnett Gardens are perhaps the worst team for Jamalco to meet at that this time as they are desperate to secure their sixth position to ensure that they are in with a chance of getting to the semi-final round.
ROTATION SYSTEM
“It is a game I am looking forward to. We will have to focus on a rotation system so that the players can recuperate when we narrow it down to the last six,” Waite said, adding that their plan to rest some of the key players is down to injury and fatigue.
Trevin Garnett, the man who started Jamalco’s fightback in their 2-1 win over Arnett Gardens, is convinced that his team will survive the drop.
“I am convinced that we will survive. We have the quality to survive and we just have to keep believing in ourselves and going out there and getting the job done, the former Camperdown and Boys’ Town attacker said.